PANAJI
The Konkani fraternity in Goa and across the globe celebrated the 107th birth anniversary of Reginald Fernandes, the father of Konkani novels on June 14. An author of over 200 novels, he was also a trumpet and violin player, a composer and singer too. Reginald Basilio Francisco Fernandes, was popular with his short name Reginald Fernandes.
Recalling the life of Siolim-born writer on his birth anniversary, Vincy Quadros, president, Dalgado Konknni Akademi stated, “Reginald, as a child, was fond of reading H G Wells and Alexandre Dumas’ books. By 18, he was a perfect musician, but it was not sufficient for his livelihood. He took to writing. In Mumbai, A V D’Cruz published his first novel (Romanx) ‘Lindorf’ in his Ave Maria weekly. From there he never looked back.”
Reginald loved his mother tongue Konkani. Writing is an art, which took him to a greater heights. Some of his famous novels are – Fidelis, Verona, Vonvaxi Put, Divllantli Diamat, Licifer, Nicodemus, Zamira, Gupit Razvoddki, Opradi, Arabeska, Padmini, Cipriana, Ezra, Niropradi Opradi etc. Reginald was a proficient lyricist, musician and playwright. Some of his famous tiatrs are - Lorsu ani forsu, Undeacho kuddko, Tuka zai tem Taka di, Pirjent Festacho etc. Besides literature and tiatr, Reginald created a music band and also played Hindi songs.
After Reginaldo returned to Goa, he worked at All India Radio where he got the opportunity to sing and put his songs on air. “Due to his immense contribution to Konkani, Dalgado Konknni Akademi (DKA) has given his name to its Conference Hall and portrayed his photo,” adds Vincy while paying a tribute to the departed writer on behalf of DKA on his birth anniversary.
Reginald was felicitated and honoured by many institutions in Goa and abroad, besides receiving Literary Award by the government of Goa. He breathed his last on November 13, 1994 in Goa. His songs ‘Sorvbhountim Uzvadd Chandneancho’ and ‘Adeus Korchea Vellar’ are still remembered.
